Question: I have sometimes wondered where to turn when seeking out a trustworthy and qualified organization that offers resources for transgender individuals. Is there a group out there that provides counseling programs and health care-related services?
-- Las Vegas
A good place to start would be the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, 953 E. Sahara Ave., Suite B-31. The center is geared toward assisting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents throughout the valley, including those living in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Henderson.
"We serve all of those areas," Executive Director Candice Nichols said. "The center is usually the first point of contact when people are moving to the valley or need LGBT resources in the area."
While the center does not directly offer counseling, health care, support groups and other services and programs that LGBT residents might be seeking, it points them in the right direction and makes referrals to the appropriate agencies and professionals, Nichols said.
"We do have quite a few (support) groups that meet here. Those are social groups. But we do refer out to (professionally facilitated) therapeutic groups," Nichols said.
Nichols added that the center also can offer suggestions regarding local businesses. Referrals can even deal with residential issues, she said. "People who come into town might want to know a gay real estate person, or what area gay people live in. It varies," she said.
The center has about 300 member businesses and organizations and is staffed by three full-time employees, as well as a number of volunteers. For more information, call 733-9800 or visit www.thecenterlv.com.
Archived Editions| Advertising | Contact The Staff
